II exchanges in Southern Cal.

[BillPA]

I’m looking to find out whatever I can about the II locations in Southern Cal.

Mainly the 5 listed below. It’s for a honeymoon for my daughter and future son-in-law.
Has anyone stayed there or know anything about any of these resorts?

They are looking for a centralized location to see the So. Cal sights, maybe surf, etc…

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

WorldMark Oceanside Harbor
Oceanside, California

Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego
Carlsbad, California

Riviera Beach and Spa Resort I & II and Monarch Grand Vacations at Riviera Beach and Spa Resort I & II
Capistrano Beach, California


San Clemente Cove Resort
San Clemente, California

Capistrano Surfside Inn


Thanks,

[bigsmooth]

I've stayed at the Worldmark Oceanside twice.

It is a newer property, rooms are nice. Most, if not all rooms have a view of the Pacific. It is not right on the water, but a short walk to a long dock area with several restaurants and shops, which is a nice area to visit. Great beach.

Downside- right on the I-5 freeway, which is noisy. The rooms are OK in sealing out the freeway noise. There is not much in the resort itself in terms of recreation or food.

[bwvBound]

FWIW, I'd consider the Four Seasons Aviara the top #1 choice (if you can get it).

However, as a WM owner, I've enjoyed several stays at the WM Oceanside. The resort is not located directly on the beach -- but is within an easy walk along a bustling marina to the shoreline. Lots to do: the marina offers restaurants and shops; the resort offers pool, hot tub, basketball court, covered parking, fitness center and various planned activities. The front desk will also have discount coupons for nearby restaurants and local attractions.

The location is about 40 minutes from downtown San Diego (Zoo, Balboa Park, museums) and perhaps an hour from Anaheim.

EDIT TO ADD:
Reading BigSmooth's post (posted while I was composing my earlier comments) triggered a new thought. While I've never had trouble with either freeway or train noises -- I would suggest avoiding the 1BR unit configuration. The 1BR layout places the BR against the building's backside (along the external hallway to all rooms). The 2BR and 3BR layouts place the master bedroom on the ocean side of the building -- providing both a better view and protection from hallway noises and lighting.

[bwvBound]

You may also want to check the Resort Reviews on the Timeshare User's Group (TUG) website. Access to the reviews is restricted to members - but the dues are quite low ($15 first year; $10 renewal). I'd consider it a good investment against such an important decision!

TUG Resort Reviews: http://www.tug2.net/reviews.shtml
TUG Membership link: http://www.tug2.net/tug-pr.html

[TravelingJen24]

I hear that it is practically impossible to get, but Aviara was wonderful. We stayed there last December and had a great time. The area is beautiful and there a lot of things to do. The rooms were incredible and that is coming from a hotel snob. Good Luck

[OnMedic]

Another option would be Marriott's Newport Coast Villas.

[CoolDisneyCat]

We stayed a week in an 2 bedroom at Aviara in Nov 04 and had a wonderful trip! We got the ressie only 60 day ahead of time and consider ourselves very very lucky!

It is hands down the most beautiful place we have ever stayed! The furnishings, the kitchen, dining room, fireplace, balconies .. oh my gosh .. just so wonderful! It is much larger and more upscale then DVC properties.

The restaurants in the hotel are very good. We had breakfast there several times at the buffet. We ordered room service a few times and it was always hot and delicious. It was a nice treat how they set the table and served it.

The only problem is the drive down to San Diego did get long. There was always a lot of traffic on I 4.

[BillPA]

Thanks for the replies. I called today and there is NOTHING available anywhere in southern Cal. except at the DL hotel and Grand Cal hotel.

[AngieWin]

Another WM owner. We stayed at Oceanside and loved it!

[disneydenisel]

I have stayed at both the Four Seasons Aviara (FSA) and Marriott's Newport Coast Villas (NCV). I love them both for different reasons. The villas are quite nice, really top of the line. FSA villas are amazing :thumbsup2 (best I've even stayed in, and huge!), but NCV is much closer to the ocean. I think I prefer NCV for the location, but I have two small kids and we also like the pool area. For a romantic honeymoon, either would be fantastic!

What time of year were you thinking about? You might find a private exchange with your DVC...that might work the best. There are many Marriott or Four Seasons owners looking for direct trades. The other option is to rent your points out and then use the proceeds to rent a villa at one of these resorts. I have rented at NCV twice and at FSA, I booked a timeshare presentation and stayed for 4 nights for $775.

Check www.redweek.com for examples of rental rates at some of the resorts. These resorts are also offered for rent on the TUG site in the Classifieds section, http://www.tug1.org/tugads/adshome.php3.

If you are renting, that opens up any resort, not just II resorts. So try the Grand Pacific Resorts. Also, HGVC is opening up a brand new timeshare resort in Fall 2007...in Carlsbad! I can't wait to stay there, it looks great! https://www.hotgetaways.com/MarBrisaResort%20Fact%20Sheet1.pdf

We own two timeshares. We use them, and for everything else, we rent. We even rented DVC points, and then loved it so much we became members!

Good luck! What a nice honeymoon gift :) !